Situated immediately north of The Loop and the Chicago River, "Smokey Hollow", as River North was once known, has transformed into one of Chicago's more premium districts for office space to rent. River North has an industrial past filled with factories and warehouses, but underwent transformation during the 1980s when artists and designers began converting abandoned warehouses into galleries and studios, establishing what is now recognized as the River North Gallery District, home to the highest concentration of art galleries in the city outside of Manhattan. The neighborhood is now known for its great mix of creative firms, technology startups, luxury residences, and high-end restaurants.

River North has now become a major center for creative businesses, tech companies, and professional services firms seeking premium office space for rent in Chicago. Major companies with office space in River North include Yelp, which occupies significant office space in the area. Basecamp now has an elegant 10,000-square-foot headquarters in River North, too, showing that the area can house a wide range of businesses - from Fortune 500 companies to boutique firms.
Additionally, River North's location along the Chicago River and near the Magnificent Mile makes it a prime destination for luxury brands, hospitality groups, and consulting firms that prefer to lease office space in a prestigious area.

As one of Chicago's more desirable neighborhoods, office space for rent in River North can be expensive. Lease rates are typically more expensive than areas such as West Town or South Loop, but they remain slightly more affordable than The Loop or Near North. River North's prime location and reputation as a prestigious business district often justify higher lease rates for tenants who are based there. There is a wide range of office space available in River North - from converted industrial lofts with exposed brick and timber aesthetics to ultra-modern high-rise towers.

River North is exceptionally well-connected due to the multiple CTA 'L' stations across the area that include Merchandise Mart (Brown and Purple Lines), Grand (Red Line), and Chicago (Red Line), providing quick access to The Loop, O'Hare International Airport and the northern suburbs. Several CTA bus routes, such as the #22 Clark, #36 Broadway, and #65 Grand, offer additional transport options for those in the area.
For those commuting by car, River North is conveniently located near I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway) and Lake Shore Drive (US-41). As you would expect from a prestigious neighborhood, parking tends to be on the expensive side, but it is available across River North. The Divvy bike-share system and protected bike lanes on streets like Wells and Kinzie are also available. River North also has one of Chicago's highest walkability scores, meaning that most amenities, like iconic restaurants such as Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, are within walking distance, as are most cafes and retail stores.
With its premium office spaces and excellent connectivity, River North remains one of the most desirable neighborhoods for companies looking to find office space for rent in Chicago.